Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 12 New Zealand | Page 14

Top and above: The stairs, aligned
on an axis with the front door, are
flanked by a 9m-high concrete wall
and the mahogany-framed windows.
The architect says the glazed wall
at the top of the stairs, behind the
sculpture, can be opened to create a
thermal chimney – hot air is pulled
up through the house and vented out
of the building. There is also plenty
of cross ventilation in the house,
which does not have – or require – air
conditioning.

entry is relatively low – the pathway to the front
door is beneath a giant overhang. The customdesigned, pivoting front door features a layer of
orange Perspex, sandwiched between panels of
frameless glass. By night, with the light passing
through the glass, the door appears to glow.
“The entry is all about heightening a sense
of anticipation,” says Swatt. “We wanted the
house to be a journey of discovery, with a strong
element of surprise. The low roof at the entry,
which becomes a low ceiling inside, explodes
and expands into the great room.”
Not everything can be seen at first glance,

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however. Stainless steel rods beside the entry
screen the great room, providing a degree of
separation between public and private areas.
“The screen is very beautiful – it establishes
a fine rhythm, like a staccato pattern, that contrasts the large concrete walls and the great
expanse of glass,” says Swatt. “Like the detailing
on the tall tower, the rods are a design response
to Nicole’s request that the house incorporate
some ‘jewellery’, which enhances the tension
between masculine and feminine.”
In keeping with the owner’s love of art and
sculpture, the living room is an artwork in itself.